Rheem’s Classic Series consists of six different gas furnace lines. Three of these lines offer 80 percent AFUE, while the remaining three operate with up to 95 percent AFUE. All models in this series feature a low 34-inch profile and are available in an upflow/horizontal and downflow configurations.
The 80-percent AFUE products offer a range of performance features. The top-tier option features two-stage heating with a PSC motor and high efficiency; the second provides several models with a single-stage ECM X-13 motor and the promise of high efficiency; and the third line in this series features a single-stage PSC motor and promotes standard efficiency. The 80-percent lines also feature an insulated blower motor compartment and direct spark ignition.
Two of the Classic Series’ 95-percent AFUE lines operate with two-stage heating; one uses a V.S. ECM and the other a PCS motor. The last line in this series uses a single-stage PCS motor for high-efficiency heating. Each of these models advertise quiet operation with an insulated blower motor compartment and induced draft motor and blower motor.
We have owned our Rheem furnace now for only one year, that is, one cold season, but so far so good. I like that it’s a gas furnace. Separating our gas use from our electricity use has resulted in what I believe is energy savings. Since we only use the gas for our heat, we are hyper-aware of our gas use. I also like that it heats our 1500 square foot house very quickly and keeps it warm at a minimal setting. Of course, we do live in the South and it does not have to work terribly hard most of the time. I feel it was a pretty good value. If I could change anything about the experience, I wish I would have had more time to shop around for a better price, but my family needed this very quickly. It has run perfectly in the short time we’ve owned it. I believe that I got a great value and I would recommend this brand to a friend, and I would buy this again.
Helen, GA
"Problems with parts"
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
It’s noisy – very noisy. And when the inducer fan broke down last week, there were problems with locating this part. What a mistake it was to buy this furnace.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
"Broke down numerous times."
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
We had the Rheem Classic 90 Plus Model rgrc installed in 2009. In 3.5 years we had a tech come out 3 times. Overall, its cost us close to $1,300 dollars in labor costs to fix the broken down components. While parts are under warranty labor is not. Very very unhappy consumer!!!
Chicago, IL
"MidWest Success!!!!"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
I live in an older home and have always has trouble keeping the entire home a consistent temperature. My Rheem furnace has the 2 stage gas heat and a variable speed blower. I have never felt more comfortable cooling with the Rheem ranl ac unit with the variable speed blower. This is my second Rheem system in my house and the first lasted over 25 years. The installation company was the best and changed some of my ductwork as well. In Indianapolis call Thiele!!! Top Rheem installation company. Great service with the best brand equipment.
Indianapolis, IN
"Rheem funace having issues after 12 months"
2.0 rating
Somewhat Unsatisfied
My Rheem Classic 90 93.5% efficiency furnace ran for about 3 to 4 months last winter (2007) and now in December 2008 I am having a strange problem where the burners sputter and die and the furnace continues to blow for a while. If I let the furnace sit for a day and then fire it up again, it will warm the house from ~40 deg f up to 70 deg F. Eventually either that day or within a week, the problem with the burners blowing themselves out recurs. It also makes a lot of noise in general, not quiet at all, lots of squeaking and strange noises. I’m probably going to call a pro soon to look at it. Considering my previous furnace was over 40 years old and still ran fine, just with very high cost, I’m shocked that this unit is already having problems. Looking at all the negative reviews online of Rheem furnace owners, I’d have to say I wouldn’t buy one again.
Other Classic Reviews
Rheem’s Classic Series has generally positive reviews from around the web. Contractors on hvac-talk.com recommend this product to homeowners in search of a new HVAC system. Some even note how popular Rheem is and the durability of the Classic Series. Homeowners also seem to be pleased with this unit, saying it has very quiet operation.
Contractors on gardenweb.com, however, note that there are significant differences among the various models. One reviewer advises a homeowner against purchasing a unit with a conventional stage blower, adding that a two-stage unit with variable speed blower will provide better performance over the long-term.
Rheem Classic Model Numbers
The Classic is available in different models which vary in efficiency and capacity.
Model Number
AFUE
BTUs per Hour
RGRC-04EMAES
95
45,000
RGRC-06EMAES
95
60,000
RGRC-07EMAES
95
75,000
RGRC-07ERBGS
95
75,000
RGRC-09EZAJS
95
90,000
RGRC-10EZAJS
95
105,000
RGRM-04(EN)MAES
95
45,000
RGRM-06(EN)MAES
95
60,000
RGRM-07(EN)MAES
95
75,000
RGRM-07(EN)YBGS
95
75,000
RGRM-09(EN)ZAJS
95
90,000
RGRM-10(EN)ZAJS
95
105,000
RGRM-12(EN)ARJS
93.3
120,000
RGRM-12(EN)RAJS
93.3
120,000
RGTC-04EMAES
95
45,000
RGTC-06EMAES
95
60,000
RGTC-07ERBGS
95
75,000
RGTC-09EZAJS
95
90,000
RGTC-10ERBJS
95
105,000
RGTK-06(EN)MAES
93.8
60,000
RGTK-06*MAES
93.8
60,000
RGTK-07(EN)MAES
92.5
75,000
RGTK-07(EN)YBGS
93
75,000
RGTK-07*MAES
92.5
75,000
RGTK-07*YBGS
93
75,000
RGTK-09(EN)ZAJS
93.2
90,000
RGTK-09*ZAJS
93.2
90,000
RGTK-10(EN)ZAJS
92.2
105,000
RGTK-10*ZAJS
92.2
105,000
RGTK-12(EN)RAJS
92.4
120,000
RGTK-12*RAJS
92.4
120,000
RGTM-06(EN)MAES
95
60,000
RGTM-07(EN)RBGS
95
75,000
RGTM-09(EN)ZAJS
95
90,000
RGTM-10(EN)RBJS
95
105,000
Classic Warranty
Warranties for the Classic Series vary, depending on the model. All conditional parts warranties must be registered with Rheem, while heat exchanger and limited parts coverage does not require registration. Warranty terms include:
80% AFUE 2-Stage PSC Motor
Conditional Parts – 10 Years
Heat Exchanger – Limited Lifetime
80% AFUE Single-Stage X-13 Motor
Conditional Parts Warranty – 10 Years
Heat Exchanger Limited Warranty – 20 Years
80% AFUE Single-Stage PSC Motor
Conditional Parts Warranty – 10 Years
Limited Parts Warranty – 5 Years
Heat Exchanger Warranty – 20 Years
Up to 95% AFUE 2-Stage V.S. ECM
Conditional Unit Replacement Warranty – 10 Years
Conditional Parts Warranty – 10 Years
Limited Parts Warranty – 5 Years
Heat Exchanger Warranty – Limited Lifetime
Up to 95% AFUE 2-Stage PSC Motor
Conditional Parts Warranty – 10 Years
Limited Parts Warranty – 5 Years
Up to 95% AFUE Single-Stage PSC Motor
Conditional Parts Warranty – 10 Years
Limited Parts Warranty – 5 Years
Heat Exchanger Warranty – Limited Lifetime
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